Sunday 1 September 2013

Whispers of Spring.....Chapter 1

Chapter 1




“Betia, Stop. You are mistaken….that’s Colonel saab.” Altaf Mohammad said in a breathy voice.

As Naina gaped open mouthed, the little girl slipped down the sofa from behind her and walked slowly to the stranger and slipped her arm through his, looking back at her raised stick speculatively with still-sleepy eyes. Naina lowered the stick with a sheepish smile at her. Meanwhile, Altaf chacha had scurried across the length of the hall and saluted the man, “Salaam, Colonel saab!!” 

The Colonel nodded and touched his right hand to his forehead in a casual salute and said in a serious voice, “Salaam, Altaf mian! Good to see you. How is your family? Has your son settled in the regiment?”

“He is fine saab.” Naina watched wide eyed as Altaf chacha’s eyes grew moist, “If it were not for you, he would have completely gone astray. You got him into the army and made us proud parents. You are always there in our daily prayers.”

“Hmm! I am glad he is doing well.” The dark eyes hardened as they traveled back to the rooted form of Naina, who stared right back…taking note of his appearance for the first time. 

He was tall, over six feet, lean, broad chested, and wide shouldered. Dark eyebrows arched over cold dark eyes that were thickly edged with equally dark eyelashes. Fair and clean shaven, with a square jaw and straight sharp nose, he was an aristocratic-looking man. …the scar notwithstanding. In fact, the scar enforced an altogether new meaning to his maleness. However, Naina was not impressed…well, not much. She had no time to give to his species. Few lessons of life are handed down without one asking for it…and she was made to experience the worst. She stared at him dispassionately. So this was the soldier grandson of Ranima. Now, how was she to know that he will drop in out of nowhere? And why was he shooting daggers at her with those big eyes? After all she was only defending her turf…actually his turf. But then, again, how was she to…..

Her wandering thoughts were cut short as his sardonic voice boomed across at her, “If you have finished inspecting me, would you mind arranging for a meal for my daughter and me?” 

Naina felt heat rise from her neck to her cheeks as she nodded.

“What happened? Cat got your tongue or what? Aren’t you going to apologize?”

Naina’s eyes flashed with sudden anger…the nerve of the man, “Apologize for what?”

“SIR.”

“What?”

“You will call me Sir. Good God, you are full of insolence. Are you new here? I have never seen such ill-mannered maids in Rawin Mahal before.”

Altaf chacha was about to say that the Colonel was grossly mistaken about Naina when he caught Naina’s eye as she shook her head slightly. All said and done, Beeji’s reputation was at stake here. She wasn’t going to risk this arrogant man complaining to Ranima and causing any ill feeling. Altaf chacha murmured something about getting the luggage from the car and walked away.

She lifted her chin and declared, “I apologize for my insolence Your Highness!!” He glowered at her, even as the end of his lips twitched with amusement…and she hastily corrected, “I mean…Sir! I meant no offence. It was a misunderstanding.”

“Hmm! Where is the rest of the staff?”

She briefly explained about they being given leave, “Since we didn’t expect you before Friday, they have all gone to their villages.”

“And why haven’t you gone anywhere?”

“Because my home is here in Palampur. Please don’t worry. Till they arrive back, I am there to…to serve you, Your Hi…I mean Sir!”

“That’s what bothers me.” He muttered. She raised a shapely brow, and he said aloud, “Go and see to that dinner. We’ll freshen up in the meantime.” He turned, paused, and then looked back at her, 

“We shall be occupying the last suite in the left wing upstairs. I hope you have done your work and the room is ready.”

Naina was about to throw a sharp rejoinder but bit back the words at the last moment, instead saying with exaggeratedly sugary tone, “It is ready, Sir. I hope it measures to your great expectations, Sir. Please summon me if you need anything, Sir. If I have your permission Sir, may I help the little princess wash and change?”

The Colonel gave her a long look, surprised at her mellowed demeanor and wondering whether she was being cheeky and mocked him. Her expression was of pure servile innocence…as if the girl with the wielding stick and sharp tongue was a figment of his imagination. He was brought up in environs where women were seen but never heard, but army had taught him otherwise….taught him that women are to be protected, respected, and cherished. But recent experiences in life had altered his perceptions, and now he firmly believed that one principle applied to all females: They are weak and shallow and are not to be trusted. But for some reason, this girl intrigued him. In a matter of few minutes, she had defied all that he considered to be a given. Even now as she waited for him to answer, she looked straight into his eyes…holding her ground. He allowed a grudging admiration to seep through at her proud bearing. Most jawans in his unit used to cower when he was in a lesser-foul mood. This girl didn’t show any fear of him, even after knowing his identity. Her eyes sparked like the hottest part of flame…and something else…something which hovered at the back of her eyes…something he had never seen and so couldn’t fathom…a vulnerability regardless of the confidence with which she carried herself. Plus she was striking…much too beautiful and classic to be a mere servant. He drew a sharp breath….“Damn it Raj! The journey has tired your brain as well. You are dwelling too much on this impertinent maid. She was nothing…a nonentity. Tomorrow I will talk to naani sa and delegate her under a senior in kitchen where she will remain out of sight.”

Naina was getting restless at the way he was looking at her, “Sir?...Is something wrong?”

He reacted with an unexpected surge of anger and contempt, “Speak when you are asked to. Trust a woman not to be quiet when required.”

Naina was livid, “I was just….”

He cut her short with an irate look, raising his hand in dismissal. He then bent toward the little girl, “Tanu, go with this aunty. She will take you to the washroom.”

Naina was surprised as she obediently left her father’s side and came to her and held her hand, looking up at her…as if awaiting her next command. She hadn’t yet heard the child utter a single word. Her heart went out for the little darling. She looked so lost. Where was her mother? Naina knelt and reached out to hold the thin arms after lightly brushing away the loose tendrils from her forehead, giving her a happy smile, “Hello Tanu! You have a pretty name…as pretty as you are. My name is Naina. Is Tanu your full name?”

The child shook her head and then looked at her father, who replied abruptly, “Tanu is short for Tanushri. She is three and very shy. She doesn’t speak much. Be gentle with her and make sure she changes into her pajamas after freshening up. They are in the little red suitcase.” With that he limped toward the stairs holding the stick. 


Naina stared after him for a moment. The man was impossible and rude. She wondered whether his physical disability made him like that or whether he was born angry. She wondered what happened to cause such injuries. Well, none of her concern…she shrugged and then turned her attention toward the child. Near the stairs he looked back. Naina had picked up Tanu and was slowly walking toward the ground floor guest room, softly talking with his daughter, who was staring at Naina with a rapturous look.
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The clock struck 6 a.m., as Naina slipped through the kitchen door of the Rawin Mahal. She had to see this charade through till breakfast, after which Manohar and Champa, the couple in charge of the kitchen, would take over, followed by the rest of the staff. They were due to arrive by nine. Beeji had made the required phone calls when she heard from Naina about the fiasco at the mahal. Adi, though, was very excited when he heard that a real army man had come to live along with a little princess. Naina had grimaced as she realized she would have to give a “Colonel-alert” talk to her son before he raised the man’s heckles with his innumerable queries. She didn’t want her son disappointed and his enthusiasm trampled on by the Colonel’s boorish and grumpy attitude.

Naina placed the kettle on the gas for tea, and then took out the crockery for the Tea tray. As she waited for the kettle to come to a boil, she reflected back on the previous night. The kitchen had nothing except dry grocery, so she had sent Altaf chacha home with a Tiffin carrier after speaking with Beeji. Thankfully there was enough prepared food in the fridge to feed two mouths. She tended to Tanu and sat her in a chair in the kitchen as she went about preparing rice and kneading the dough for chapattis. The child may be quiet but she was adorable and had a delightful laugh. Soon she was responding to Naina’s chatter with nods and shakes, smiles and giggles, and even a couple of monosyllables. She followed her back and from the kitchen to the dining hall as Naina set the table for dinner. As they waited for her father to come down, Naina showed Tanu how the rooster in the mahal barnyard strutted about with its held stretched high and shouted at any hen crossing his path, making Tanu laugh and clap. As she enacted Sultan the Rooster’s behavior, she couldn’t help recalling the Colonel’s forbidding demeanor. A giggle of mirth broke through which stifled into a gurgle as she twirled to face a furious Colonel.

“What the hell are you doing?”

“Strutting…Sir?”

As Tanu giggled again, her father glared at Naina. A deep shade of hauteur spread over his features, but he spoke not a word. He sat down after running a gentle finger over Tanu’s cheek, having obviously decided against escalating the issue. He had enough battling of wits for one night. One never knew what the woman would say or do next. Good God, she was maddening. Yet, as he looked at his daughter, her face red with glee, he couldn’t help wondering whether he was being too judgmental. He finished his meal in mute, speaking only once…to stop Naina from feeding Tanu, saying she was old enough to eat herself and doesn’t need any mollycoddling. After they had eaten, he rose and beckoned Tanu to come with him. She stood still for a moment, uncertainty writ large on her face as she looked first at Naina and then her father. Naina didn’t wait for any permission before stepping  forward and kissing the child, “Goodnight Tanu! Sleep well, little princess. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She was rewarded with an angelic smile. For the first time she saw something other than anger flit through the Colonel’s face as she lifted her face to wish him goodnight. But the very next moment the scowl was back on his countenance as he harrumphed a response and turned away.

Sheesh, what a grouch!! Naina thought now as she poured the tea into the kettle and arranged the plate of biscuits on a tray along with the day’s newspaper. He seemed to be perpetually angry. Does he ever smile? Yet she couldn’t help recalling his gentleness with Tanu. Their’s didn’t seem to be a highly demonstrative father-daughter relationship, but there certainly was something strong there. It was clear that the little girl trusted and accepted her father as he was. Naina slapped her forehead lightly, admonishing herself for wasting too many thoughts on the man. She hadn’t slept well last night as ghosts of past had come visiting. This man’s apparent bias against women had stroked unpleasant memories that she had thought had finally become dormant.

With a sigh, Naina lifted the tray and turned toward the stairs, only to find the tormentor of her thoughts coming down wearing a tracksuit. He nodded without looking at her when she wished him and gestured the tray toward the dining hall. He stretched his hand to take the newspaper and then walked toward the table. Naina noticed that his limp was a little more pronounced this morning. After she poured his tea, he dismissed her with a shake of his hand, his face hidden behind the newspaper. She couldn’t resist sticking out her tongue and was immediately caught as he lowered the paper to reach out for the tea. He narrowed his eyes and she dashed out of the room.

Naina came out of the kitchen only when she was sure he had left for a walk. She went up to the bedroom to find Tanu sleeping deeply, cushioned with pillows from all sides. So, she had slept on the master bed with her father and not on the separate cot arranged by Altaf chacha. The man was not a lost case altogether…somehow the thought came as a relief.

Manohar and Champa arrived before eight, having caught an earlier bus. Five others walked in few minutes later. Naina assigned Beena, the middle-aged assistant housekeeper, to take personal care of Tanu. The child was still sleeping and the Colonel was in the gym, having gone their straight after his walk. Naina decided she was no longer needed and left after requesting the staff not to mention who she was if the Colonel asked…and to just tell him that she was given the day off. She had to get Adi ready for school and then get her day going as well.

Near the gates she bent to pick up some jasmine flowers for Beeji’s pooja. Cupping the flowers in her hands she looked up and took a deep breath of fresh air, smiling at the glorious play of sunshine over the pristine hills. With a skip of a step she stepped out of the gates and turned toward her home, without noticing a dark pair of eyes that followed her actions from the gym window till she was out of sight.
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Naina ran a kindergarten situated at the far end of the Rawin Mahal estate on the foothills of a hill. Ranima had readily gifted away the land when Naina requested why she needed it. She had refused to take any rent for land. But when she offered to build the school, Naina had politely declined, and had instead taken loan from the bank. She had herself designed the layout. It was built like a little palace, with a difference. One wing was completely made of glass, where children played and yet get the feel of being outdoors. The classrooms were large and colorful, with nursery mural adorning the walls. There were big lawns in front. One side had all kinds of regular playing aids…swings, slides, sand pits, and so on. But one complete side was devoted to assortment of small-sized flower beds, maintained by the little ones. Naina herself would sit with each child teaching them how to take care of their little pieces of land. This not only fulfilled their inherent urge to play in soil but also made them feel proud of their handiwork. She had named the school “The Happy Hours”. On asking she had told Beeji, “I want the children to have the happiest moments of their day here…'Learn with Fun' is what I am aiming at.” In the children’s laughter and games, with Adi and Beeji alongside her, Naina had found the essence of her life back. Adi was admitted this year in Class I in a city public school.
Apart from the school, she helped in the management of the old age home and orphanage run under the aegis of the Rana Sumer Singh Trust. 

It was the beginning of a new session in the school…and new session meant new admissions. Naina kept very busy through the next three days. She hadn’t heard from the Rawin Mahal. Beeji was keeping track and told her all was fine there. If she had probed more, Beeji would have wondered, since Naina liked to maintain a distance where the palace’s personal matters were concerned. That was the reason she didn’t know much about Ranima’s family. She met Ranima, when she was in town, once a month and apprised her regarding the school and the Homes. She never let the relationships with anyone cross a cordial limit, mainly because closeness meant the other person would query her past. It was another matter that unknown to Naina, Ranima knew all about her, courtesy Beeji, who couldn’t say No to her friend when she was asked point blank. Ranima was an astute lady, and it hadn’t taken her long to see the shadows beyond Naina’s ever-sunny disposition.

Naina was sifting through her briefcase, when Adi came and hugged her. She turned and smacked a kiss on his cheek, “What’s this early-morning buttering all about Mr Aditya Bhatia? I have been hugged three times, kissed four times, and smiled at six times ever since you woke up. What do you want?”

“Mumma, it’s Saturday today.” Adi grinned. His mother always saw through him.

“Yes. So?”

“You said on Monday that if I drank my milk through the week without a fuss, you will grant me a wish on Saturday.”

“Oho…so you have a wish. But you cheated on Wednesday.”

“I really was very sleepy after half glass. Really…really. God promise!”

“All right! What is it that you want so badly.”

“I want to meet the army uncle and the little princess. Please mumma…please. Please take me to the mahal. I won’t misbehave I promise. I only want to ask him how to hold the rifle and crawl when the enemy soldiers are shooting.”

Naina stared at his pleading face and her heart melted, “OK Adi. Be ready in the evening. I’ll take you. Now may I go to the school? I have some admissions coming in today.”

“Thank you mumma. I’ll go and tell Beeji. We’ll take her also. Maybe she has some questions too.”

“Right. Tell her I have left. She has been on phone for awhile. I don’t want to disturb her. I’ll see you in a few hours. Play with Bobby when he comes for lunch, and don’t trouble Beeji.”

Naina hugged Adi and left in her jeep. Saturdays were off for Adi. Today his best friend was coming over to spend the day with him….which meant playing soldier-soldier through the day. Naina smiled to herself as she parked in front of the school. Draped in a midnight-blue chiffon saree with lightly printed border, her long hair tied in a single braid, and adorning just kajal and lip gloss, she looked exquisite.

She spent the next hour working on the school files and meeting a couple of parents who had come for admission. She was bent over the printer when a familiar deep voice spoke from behind, “May I come in Ma’am?”

What was he doing here? He was supposed to be on vacation, and she would have expected him off somewhere in the beautiful mountains and valleys…not making school visits. She took a deep breath and turned with a smile, “Yes please. What can I do for you?” Naina cringed inwardly, fully expecting the blast when he saw her.

However, nothing of the sort happened. Just for a moment his eyes widened, registering his shock, and then he announced, “I am Colonel Rajveer Singh Rathore. I need to speak to Mrs S. Bhatia, the principal.”

“You are speaking to her Colonel. Please have a seat.”

“Thank you.” He sat and stared at her, contemplating something, and then spoke in a thick voice, “You lied. You said your name was Naina.”

Well, that didn’t take long, Naina sighed as she sat back in her chair.
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To be continued………

62 comments:

  1. Awesome update di..
    Love the introduction of Naina, Adi, Tanu and Raj...
    So, Naina's son is Adi and Raj's daughter Tanu..
    wonder what happen in their past life ..

    Cant wait for ur next update di..

    .LovelyDreamer.

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    1. Thanks Shalini. Glad you approve of the characterizations. I want you all to become as involved with these characters as you all were with Samarpan ones. That'll be my biggest support. Let's wait and see how their past baggage influences their present. :)

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  2. superb update indu...

    lovely intro....n eager to know what happened in the past...

    update soon..

    **kratzyfan**

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    1. Hey Anu...Thanks. They have just met. We'll have to wait and see how long they will let their past influence their opinions of each other. :)

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  3. lovely part di.
    really waiting for the next part

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  4. Awww great update Pal...I love how Naina didn't back down when Raj was staring at her and even when he asked her to call him Sir she did it cause she didn't want anyone to make any complaints against beeji :)

    Tanu is such a cutie pie and she likes Naina to pieces...Adi sounds like a naughty yet adorable cutie pie as well <3 hmmm from what I've gathered both Raj and Naina had a very terrible past with their children other parent :( Can't wait to find out what happened to them.

    Wow that was a wonderful surprise to make Naina the principal of her dream school and Raj meeting her in her new avatar...I'll bet he never expected her to be the principal even when he had a doubt that she wasn't really a maid after their first encounter at the mansion ;)

    Looking forward to Naina's reply to Raj...this is getting really intriguing :D

    Keep Rocking Sweetie *muuaahhh*

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    1. Hey pal...So very relieved that the characters are received well. Though very few have commented thus far, I am hoping that as and when people get the hang of this blog scene, they'll be as forthcoming as they were in IF.

      Naina seems to have had gone through something very bad, yet she has come out of it strong and completely self-reliant, though she too has her biases. For some reason she steers clear of men, just as Raj has formed some biases against women even though his army background ensures that regardless of his personal opinions he should respect the opposite sex. Tanu seems to have been affected by whatvever went on woth his life. She is very shy and quieter than a normal child...a fact that Naina instinctively realized and went about rectifying. That's why Tanu responded so easily to her...Obviously the child misses a mother figure.

      Thanks a ton...Lots of hugs and kisses.

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    2. Same here...I hope they do come and show some love :)

      Yeah seems whatever went down in Naina's past left a very bad taste in her mouth when it comes to men so she rather stay far away from them...Hmm I wonder if she wasn't in an abusive relationship??? As for Raj well I got a feeling that he was cheated on and so he sees all women as liars and weak even though the army taught the opposite.

      Despite Naina's past she never let it affect Adi but it seems like Raj doesn't know how to handle his emotions and that affect his little princess...Yup Naina just knew how to get through to Tanu, I can see that the little ones are getting along perfectly as for their parents umm that's a different story LOL

      I can already see Tanu coming out of her shell and if/when she does spend time with Naina more and more she would want to know why her mother didn't want to stay with her...I'm excited about the next chapter ;)

      Anytime Love xox

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  5. Fantastic update Indu. Both started off on the wrong foot which was really entertaining to read. The colonel is already intrigued with Naina and her ways which is a good thing while Naina is trying her best not to have any slip ups around him. His relationship with Tanu is protective and I like how Naina gets her to open up a bit. Fab job as always and looking forward to what is in store next.

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    1. Thank you Saf. Naina sure intrigues the colonel. She is supposed to be a maid, yet is nothing like one...and then he sees her in this new, dignified avatar as the school principal. And well, let's see how he looks at her now. He is protective of his daughter but doesn't really know how to be a father.

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  6. Awesome Indu di.It's really nice to read your story.
    Thanks for the PM and waiting for the next part.

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    1. Thanks Nusrat. I really appreciate you taking time off and commenting here. I crave this support...so thanks again.

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  7. Love this story it is very interesting eagerly looking forward to reading what comes next in the lives of Naina and Raj

    sb1410

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    1. Thanks Sharlene. You have always backed whatever I have written. You have no idea how much I appreciate your involvement. God bless you!

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  8. So ur characters are based on the left right left show. Great I liked it and used to watch with my family.

    Loved the start. The character of Naina is coming out well. Looking forward to reading more.

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    1. I haven't seen the show you name my friend, so can't comment on any similarity. I had something in my mind so wanted to see it through. Let's see how it pans out.

      Naina is strong. So far we haven't seen any chinks, which have only been hinted at. But, was she always this bright and self-reliant?....... :)

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  9. awsome Indu...... straight talk.... nothing to be scared off type is Naina. i loved her spirit. she is thinking and not thinking.... oh i loved the way she keeps her relations. cordial but close upto a distance. colonel will go for a toss with the multifaceted naina, hahaha.. his shallow thoughts would go for a toss for sure. does she have a bad past that demons of the past are haunting her.. and what has the colonel gone thru that he has these thoughts about women..... pondering..... loved the update... janaki

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    1. Thanks Janaki....Naina has issues, but she doesn't let them affect those around her. Others only see a very strong, independent, and cheerful Naina. She has learnt to separate those issues from her present. However, Raj seems to carry over his biases borne out of his experiences. Naina intrigues him, because her behavior defies the convention he was used to.

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  10. Awesome update di...
    Naina seems so strong and independent...
    Raj what an attitude man...Liked the way naina didn't hesitate to call him sir when he asked
    Tanu is so adorable..Naina and Tanu conversation cute...She easily bonded with her
    Naina and adi part is also cute...Adi seems to be a naughty boy
    Last part interesting
    Raj meeting her as a principal.. Raj was surprised of naina meet
    Waiting for naina's reply
    Continue soon
    Eagerly waiting for next part
    Thanks for pm

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    1. Thank you Radha. Raj is hiding behind a veneer of arrogance and anger. There is a conflict in the opinions he holds. Naina is simply bursting his biased bubble. As for Adi and Tanu, I just can't do without kids, can I? You can say that's one hangover I am carrying over from PV-related stories. :)

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  11. loved it. that was a really good description of tanu. sweet yet shy and completely trustful of her father. oh so adi wants to meet colonel.please update soon.

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    1. Thank you. Tanu hasn't had a happy parent till now...that's why she reacted so positively toward Naina, whose natural way with kids brought Tanu out of her shell in no time. Raj is a good father but he doesn't know how to be with a little girl. Swwt thing is that Tanu, even though is just three, instinctively accepts her father the way he is.

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  12. Indu that was a superb start! Love Naina and Raj's interaction. Naina within that moment had a nice bonding with Tanu!<3 He finally knows she was not a maid. Hmm wonder what happened in their respective pasts. Sorry for the late comment received your pm but as you know I always love to read your write-up without distraction Lol!Awesome start am missing the emoticons in here lol but applauds to you!

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    1. It's a relief to to read the comments of approval Abie. You have no idea how nervous I was...I still am. Thank you for such supportive words. At the moment, I only know what happened to them in their pasts. However, I have no idea how they will bond in spite of the biases they carry against opposite sex.

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  13. indu again the bestest theme u choosed
    i loved it di

    raj-naina and tanu and adi very nice
    i wonder something unusual happened in thelives of them
    waiting for the story to unfold furthur

    great job again di
    i m rosey from pv forum

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    1. Hi Rosey....Thanks my friend. I hope this unfolds well in the coming chapters.

      I am glad you signed your name. I would have wondered otherwise. Thanks. :)

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  14. i already commented di i dont know whether u can see it or not

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    1. It took me some time to understand the Blog way. When you write a comment, it doesn't immediately get to be seen here. I have to go to the blog posts page and individually tick your posts to publish. So between when you write and when I visit the blog page, the comment will stay unpublished. So please don't mind if I am a little late in clicking on the Publish button.

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  15. Indu Di! *hugs* Yes, my name is Mohini as well and you're free to call me that! :) Yes, I sincerely miss IF emoticons! :(

    Wow!!! What an update!!! I'm in love with Naina's character and very curious about Raj! The man's physical appearance is as mysterious as his nature! I'm thirsty for information on him! Lol!

    At first, I was wondering if it was a typo when I saw "S. Bhatia", then I realised. :) I'm curious about that as well. (Who wouldn't? Lol).

    Please update soon Di! Thanks for the PM!

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    1. Hey Mohini....Thanks. Glad the characters have got the imagination juices flowing. Raj and Naina come from different worlds...and both carry past baggages.

      Well, the Colonel was quick to assume that Naina lied. Let's see how this plays out. :)

      Thank you so much for taking time out to comment here. I real need your opinions to know whether this is progressing well.

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  16. That was a great part.. love the little banter between the 2.. the kids seem really cute.. oh wow.. so she is a school principal.. thats great.. wonder how colonel is going to react to that.. really curious to see how this story progresses..

    hope you update again soon.. till then.. take care..

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    1. Thanks Ruchi.

      The colonel isn't going to be too happy to begin with... a maid turns into a school princi...that caught him off guard :)

      My work schedules are little busy these days, but hopefully I'll try to put in a chapter every 5/6 days.

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  17. awesome update Indu
    Beautifully written
    Waiting for next part...rachna

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  18. Indu what a beautiful surprise ... a blog!!!

    Why do I see Aarti and Yash in the Colonel and Naina? Have those two mesmerized me or am I still under the influence of Samarpan?

    I liked what I read and definitely want more......Anonee of India Forum

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    1. Hi Meena....Wow! You are here. I am so very happy to have you join me on this. Thank you so much.

      We all are so attached to GC/KS (Yash/Aarti) that it's initially difficult for us to envision anyone else when we are reading each other's fictional work. I created this blog precisely because if I had to write with different names, it had to be away from the IF. Though the readership is lesser than IF, I am happy to write for all my friends who have been kind enough to try out this new location. Plus, it'll be easier for me in future when I'd want to write under a different genre.

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    2. Love it so much di..im glad u r back with writing..im enjoying the story like i enjoy the story samparan..god i miss it so much..waiting for chapter 3 eagerly

      **Ksfan2**A.K.A...Rasheedha(Rashee)

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    3. Hi Rashi. Welcome to the blog.

      Thank you so much for the sweet words. *Sigh* I do miss Samarpan too. You guys mad that story so special with your love and support. I need the same for WOS. :)

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  19. wow!! great part indu di <3

    just want to say love this two charcters so much naina nd colonel
    colonel seems to have some attitude, or is it only me that feels so

    love naina's SIR statements LOL! like she is teasing him hehehe!

    tanu is so cute but very shy love her bond with naina :)

    naina own's a school wow! and she is d principal

    ansh is such a cutie, can't wait to see d questions he is going to shower on colonel, he seems really interested in army ;)

    colonel in naina school, what a coincidence, would love to see his shocked face, can't wait to see his reaction

    sorry for d late reply di but one good part is am going straight to d next chapter no waiting hehehe ;)

    once again superb write up di, keep it up !! :)

    billie

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    1. Thanks Billie. I see your comments and a comforting familiarity creeps up. It's so reasssuring to have my friends come here and support me.

      I am so glad you are getting acquainted with the characters so well. I want you all to love and Raj and naina as much as you loved Yash and Aarti. :)

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  20. Wonderful update Indu. As always, your characters give us a sense of curiosity and never end the thirst of more updates. great going with the story and thanks a lot for the pm-scorpiodreams.

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  21. Hi Indu,
    I know it's been a while but...such is life (deep breath and heavy *sigh*) ,,, I just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed chapter 1 immensely. I like Naina's compassion in the face of the Colonel's arrogance. There is a strength in being able to walk away and allowing the other person to retain their dignity even when it is not necessarily earned or deserved. The Colonel will get his comeuppance I am sure but only when the time is right. And timing is everything.
    Looking forward to chapter 2 and I will follow where ever you choose to lead me as far as reading is concerned.
    All the Best,
    Gemmy

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    1. Hey Gemmy... Welcome to the Blog.I am so glad you are here.Thank you so much.

      I have always loved how you put your opinions into words. That was lovely. As a writer, you gave me a sense of relief that I could manage to project what Naina and Raj went through in their first encounter.

      Naina is more comfortable with her adapted life at this point. That's why she is on a more sure footing. However, Raj's pain seems to be still raw. As you say timing is everything. Raj will get it right soon enough.

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  22. Am back! =)
    Sorry dear if it took me so long..
    Still adjusting with the new place.

    Btw, love the first chapter..

    Haha, Naina mistaken Raj as the kidnapper while Raj mistaken Naina as the maid?

    I was actually smiling and grinning while reading the interactions between this two. And the Highness, Sir thing.. lol!
    Oh Tanu, she's so cute and very innocent and so with Adi.
    Glad that she already became at ease with Naina.
    Love the bonding between Naina and Adi..

    Hmm, seems like Colonel Raj had a bitter relationship with woman on the past, maybe with his wife?
    Let's see how Naina will erase that bad perception.
    And Naina, does she hides something in the past too?

    Naina ran a kindergarten, she's the principal, cool!
    And there they meet again!
    Looking forward how will this conversation go..
    Am intrigue now, *RUNS to read the next..

    *HUGS WITH A SMILE :)

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    1. Hey Barbie....I hope you are settled down well by now. How's junior? Give him a hug on my behalf.

      You know I read your familiarly styled comment and I picturize the pink backdrop of IF. :)

      Thanks for being with me thus far. Everyone comes with a past. It's how well our coping mechanism functions that decides in what direction and in what manner we want to move on. Raj and Naina are doing the best that their broken self can allow them to.

      Hugs with a smile back to you too my friend. :)

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  23. Interesting both have a bad past but have dealt with it differently. Raj has let has past affect his relatipnships and outlook on life whereas Naina didn't let it affect those around her. Wonder why Naina is known as Mrs S Bhatia at school. Please update soon.
    Shwty frm IF

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    1. Thanks Shwty.

      Yup, they both are dealing with their lives in the only way they can. It'll be interesting to see how good or bad their influences on each other be.

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  24. loved it so much..i can sense the attraction already between them..waiting for ur next update di..

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  25. oh I m so late here as always ..can't help it...
    but ah finally started reading this story..and loved the starting..
    indu Di u r so good in characterization that we completely get involved with story and every character...

    wonderful start...*running to read more* :p

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  26. Hi Miti....Thanks a million for dropping in and penning your comment. I hope the story progresses well enough for you to like it till the end. :)

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  27. OMG indu di you made poor naina so embarrassed not just with her behaviours later how she learnt good things about colonel from altaf
    But i mean both has their own reason to shoot daggers or i shud say ankhiyon se goli marrein its in a way funny
    N then both inhibitions n talking each other yet cant stop themselves in finding an indifference
    Tanushri hmm nice name n big one too
    But then the dark eyes and dark demeanour he wore well then naina still ready to laugh thats all recall me yash n aarti i am so sorry to day it again
    N then how you made us have a glance on nania n raj life still a lot more coming but its really interesting thats why i am moving to ch2
    ps I will not be able to praise further on your writing but a big round of applause
    regards.. Riya

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  28. lovely setup- the valley looks beautiful :)
    aww adi and tanu are so sweet
    -rutu

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